Phone:

CV:

Disciplines:

Biomaterials

Biophysics

Biotechnology

Electronic Materials

Magnetic Materials

Materials Chemistry

Implants

Nanotechnology

Photonic Materials

Research:

Prof. Polina Anikeeva joined DMSE in 2011. Dr. Anikeeva's Ph.D. thesis focussed on physical properties and design of light emitting devices based on organic materials and nanoparticles, working under the supervision of Prof. Vladimir Bulovic in EECS. She previously held the Dean's Postdoctoral Fellowship, School of Medicine, Stanford and was in the group of Prof. Karl Deisseroth in the Department of Bioengineering. Her current research is focused on development of optoelectronic and magnetic materials and devices for recording and modulating activity of neurons in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral organs.

When asked to describe her research interests, Dr. Anikeeva writes, "My research interests lie within the field of Bioelectronics, and specifically the development of materials and devices that enable recording and manipulation of signaling processes within the nervous system. Our ability to understand the dynamics of neural circuits and develop treatments for neurological (Parkinson’s, paraplegia) and psychiatric (depression) conditions is currently handicapped by the technology available for interacting with the electrical, chemical, and mechanical signaling modalities used by neurons. Today, neural probes remain limited in both function and longevity as they fail to communicate with the neural tissue across its signaling palette for extended periods of time. ....By combining physical modeling, materials synthesis and device fabrication with understanding of electrophysiological and anatomical structure of neural circuits, my group aspires to create enabling tools for systems neuroscience as well as advance the development of future neuroprosthetics." She is enthusiastic about pursuing her research interests at MIT, where collaborations between colleagues, departments, and schools create innovations almost daily.

She explains that, "While research is a very significant part, of my life, I cannot possibly imagine a fulfilling career without teaching. My goal, as a teacher, is to infect the students with my curiosity for materials science and to inspire them to become future academic and industry leaders in the field." Every Spring she teaches core undergraduate course 3.024 "Electronic, Optical, and Magnetic Properties of Materials" that takes students on a math-packed journey throught the structure-property relations governing optoelectronics and magnetism. In the Fall she teaches an advanced design course 3.156/3.46 "Photonic Materials and Devices" that allows students to engineer realistic photonic devices such as lasers, solar cells, and optical fibers.

Polina Anikeeva was born in Leningrad, USSR, but grew up in St. Petersburg, Russia; the city’s name reverted to its original form after the fall of the Soviet Union. While in school there, she encountered two inspiring scientists who helped propel her toward a career at MIT, where she now...

Polina Anikeeva has been awarded a 2018 Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise in Biomedical Science. Awarded annually by the Vilcek Foundation, the $50,000 prizes recognize younger immigrants who have demonstrated exceptional promise early in their careers.

AFFOA headquarters represents a significant MIT investment in advanced manufacturing innovation. This facility includes a Fabric Discovery Center that provides end-to-end prototyping from fiber design to system integration of new textile-based products, and will be used for education and...

In anticipation of the official opening of the new MIT.nano building — which will house some of the world’s leading facilities supporting research in nanoscience and nanotechnology — MIT last week officially launched a new “center of excellence” called SENSE.nano, which is dedicated to pushing...

The brand new, state-of-the-art MIT.nano building had its first public showing recently. The new building promises to be an enormously influential toolbox for many MIT departments, especially DMSE. Faculty and other researchers are excited for its completion slated for 2018.

"For the first time ever, a single flexible fiber no bigger than a human hair has successfully delivered a combination of optical, electrical, and chemical signals back and forth into the brain, putting into practice an idea first proposed two years ago. With some tweaking to further improve its...

Last night, Bloomberg asked professor Polina Anikeeva to comment on new technology related to bioelectronics and talk about how they fit into the medical world. This aired live August 1st around 7:10pm on Bloomberg TV.

Various powerful new tools for exploring and manipulating the brain have been developed over the last few years. Some use electronics, while others use light or chemicals. Professor Polina Anikeeva's research has potential to change how medicine treats people with brain disorders and to change...

Professor Polina Anikeeva has been selected to receive the inaugural award from the MIT Mildred S. Dresselhaus Fund. This newly-established award honors Millie and her contributions to MIT and will be given to a faculty member every two...

Professor Polina Anikeeva is the recipient of an NSF CAREER Award for "Optoelectronic neural scaffolds: materials platform for investigation and control of neuronal activity and development". Congratulations!